D1.2 operational demo cases

1
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon
2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement
N°776541
D1.2
Operational Demo Cases
NextGen
December 2020
Ref. Ares(2021)6086484 - 06/10/2021

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Project Acronym: NextGen
Project Title: Towards the next generation of water systems and services for the circular
economy
Deliverable: D1.2 Operational demo cases
Dissemination level: Public
Type: Demonstrator
Work Package: WP1
Lead beneficiary: EURECAT
Contributing beneficiaries: KWB, UBATH
Submission date: 15-12-2020 (M30)
Disclaimer: Any dissemination of results must indicate that it reflects only the author's view and that
the Agency and the European Commission are not responsible for any use that may be made of the
Technical references

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Executive Summary
Work package 1 (WP1) of the NextGen project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of innovative
technological solutions towards a circular economy (CE) in the water sector. With the goal of
closing water, energy and materials cycles, several CE technologies have been implemented in
10 demo cases in order to collect long-term data on system performances to assess their
benefits and drawbacks.
This deliverable demonstrates the operational status of 10 demo cases deployed in 8 EU
Member States and their specific NextGen objectives and CE solutions. For each demo case,
the deliverable show pictures of the prototypes and pilots installed, introduces the first technical
results obtained until M30, provides the specific KPIs (actual and expected) and the expected
next steps per each site.
A general introduction to the 10 demo cases can be found in the factsheets uploaded to the
project website:https://nextgenwater.eu/demonstration-cases. All sites have started their
demonstration activities and have shown their operationality in M30 with the exception of the
demo case of Timisoara (RO) which was incorporated in M19 replacing Bucharest. For Timisoara
case, a detailed next step plan is provided as activities are being deployed at the moment.

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Executive summary
Site Status Page
1. Braunschweig
(DE)
Start-up of full scale operation of a TPH to increase biogas production. Nutrient recovery at full scale. 8
2. Costa Brava (SP) Pilot plant in operation with regenerated membranes 33
3. Westland (NL) Regional water balance done. HT-ATES at Koppert-Cress: installed with monitoring system 57
4. Alternheim (CH) Evaluation of produced GAC under long-term tests at pilot scale. PK fertilizer pilot plant and NH4 stripping
full-scale evaluation ready to start
90
5. Spernal (UK) AnMBR under construction at R2IC and plant in use forecast for Jan 2021 116
6. La Trappe (NL) MNR in operation. Protein production in Bio-Makeries start in December 2020. 138
7. Gotland (SE) Wells installed for rainwater collection and IoT set-up. Installation automatic hatche at lake outflow
pending and selection of site for infiltration on-going. Pilot for membrane treatment under construction.
169
8. Athens (GR) MBR pilot plant for sewer mining in operation. 198
9. Filton (UK) Rain water harvesting installed and availability defined. Desk studies on energy and material recovery. 217
10. Timisoara (RO) Site to start their thermochemical sludge conversion demonstration activities in early 2021. Desk study on
the feasibility of water reuse on-going.
243
Brief introduction of each demo case: https://nextgenwater.eu/demonstration-cases/

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Introduction
D1.1 described the baseline conditions of each of the demo cases involved in NextGen before
the start of the project and all pre-existing infrastructures and systems – prior to NextGen
interventions across water, energy and material cycles
D1.2 shows the operation of new CE solutions proposed by the project, at each demo case
The benefits and improvements achieved within the NextGen project at each demo case, will be
reported in D1.3, D1.4, D1.5 (on the technical performance of the solutions related to the water,
energy, materials cycles), D1.6, D1.7 (technology evidence data base), and D1.8 (greenfield
implementation)
The economic and environmental performance of the CE solutions will be assessed in WP2

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Objective
D1.2 objective is to provide evidence that the NextGen
solutions at the demo cases are operational
Current operational status of each site is demonstrated by providing
pictures/videos of the implemented NextGen solutions as well as first technical
results obtained until M30

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Table of contents for each demo case
1. General description of the site
2. State of play at the start of NextGen
3. Objectives of NextGen solutions applied in the case
• Infographic: positioning of demo case within the CE
4. Summary table
• Technology baseline, NextGen intervention, TRL, capacity, quantified target, status of the
actions
5. NextGen solutions
• Scheme characteristics, pictures/video of operation
6. Operational procedures
• Pilot plant operation, economic and environmental assessment tools
7. Results and Specific KPIs of the NextGen solutions (actual vs expected)
8. Progress and next steps planned

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#1. Braunschweig
Germany
Circular solutions for
Energy
Materials
WWTP(actualload:350,000PE)
Lead partner:
Relevant sectors
Agriculture
Water treatment
Relevant data
Energy
Other partner:
Introduction to the demo case: https://nextgenwater.eu/braunschweig/

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• Primary treatment: bar screens, sand trap, primary clarifier
• Secondary treatment: nitrification, denitrification, enhanced
biological phosphorus removal, secondary clarifier
• Water Reuse: irrigation of agricultural aeras
• Sludge treatment & reuse: anaerobic digestion & direct reuse
in agriculture (60%) and incineration (40%)
WWTP in Braunschweig (actual load: 350,000 PE)

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Sludge treatment, direct reuse of digestate in agriculture (60%) and incineration of
dewatered digestate (40%) until 2019
10
excess sludge excess sludge
or
incineration

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3. Objectives of the NextGen solutions
Starting status of sludge treatment at the WWTP:
three full-scale one-stage digesters
NextGen solution implemented in the sludge treatment:
1. Two-stage digestion system
2. Thermal pressure hydrolysis (TPH) between the two stages
3. System for struvite precipitation
4. System for ammonium sulfate production
Benefits of thermal pressure hydrolysis:
- Higher availability of dissolved carbon compounds due to cell lysis
- Higher methane yield in second digestion stage
- Increase in dissolved phosphate and ammonium concentration

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Technology Evidence Base (TEB).
Initial draft – to be finalised in D1.6
Braunschweig
Positioning of demo case within the CE

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4. Summary Table: energy & material
Case Study
number &
name
Subtasks
Technology
baseline
NextGen intervention in
circular economy for water
sector
TRL Capacity
Quantifiable
target
Status / progress
# 1
Braun-
schweig (DE)
Location:
WWTP
Braun-
schweig
Sub-Task
1.3.2
Internal heat
usage and heat
management
for two-stage
digestion
system & TPH
Three one-stage
digesters; heat
reuse from CHPs
for tempering
the digesters
and the
surrounding
buildings
Two-stage digestion system
with thermal pressure
hydrolysis (TPH) between
the two stages: higher heat
demand due to TPH, reuse
of excess heat from TPH
and more available heat
from CHP due to increased
methane yield
Digestion
system with
TPH:
TRL 8 → 9
On average:
up to 250 m³/h
methane
production without
TPH;
with TPH increase
to
330 m³/h
Biogas production:
Up to 25%
increase in
methane
production due to
TPH.
Due to unexpected
and necessary
retrofitting measures
for the plant and due
to COVID-19 situation,
the operation of the
whole recovery plant
was stopped for 3
months. Since October
2020, the recovery
plant is in operation
again.
Sub-Task
1.4.7
Full-scale
nutrient
recovery from
wastewater
Irrigation and
fertilization of
agricultural
fields with
WWTP effluent
and digestate
Phosphorus recovery for
struvite production
TRL 9
Around 250 t
struvite (dry)/year
equals to 30 t
P/year and 15 t
N/year
Struvite
precipitation
(≥90% of P
recovered from P
load to recovery
unit)
Ammonia stripping for
ammonium sulfate
production
TRL 9
Around 2200 t
ammonium sulfate
solution (wet)/year
equals to 170 t
N/year
(NH4)2SO4
(>85% of N
recovered from N
load to recovery
unit)

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5. NextGen solutions:
nutrient and enhanced energy recovery since 2019
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Scrubber

15 15
Important for nutrient recovery:
increase in ammonium and phosphate concentrations due to TPH
T= 53 °C T= 53 °C
5.1 Pictures of the two-stage digestion system and TPH

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NextGen 16
5.2 Flow scheme of
struvite production

17 17
5.2 Pictures of struvite production unit & struvite
Struvite

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5.3 Flow scheme of ammonia stripping unit & (NH4)2SO4 production
NextGen 18

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5.3 Pictures of (NH4)2SO4 production system
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NH3
stripping
unit
(NH4)2SO4
storage
tank
(NH4)2SO4

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6. Operational procedures and methodologies
Main operation and analytical parameters
Struvite production:
Optimization of production process aiming at the increase in grain size and a high P
recovery rate via changes in hydrozyclone geometry, different MgCl2 dosages,
varying HRT
Biogas production incl. TPH:
Varying process parameters such as temperature in order to increase the methane yield
Ammonium sulfate solution production:
Optimization of production process aiming at a high N recovery rate and low energy
and chemicals consumption (→ varying temperature & NaOH addition)

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6. Operational procedures and methodologies: Tools
(WP2)
In the frame of WP2, different tools will be applied at the case study in Braunschweig:
• Quantitative chemical risk assessment for struvite and ammonium sulfate
• Life cycle assessment
• Life cycle costing
• Cost efficiency analysis
The results are elaborated in WP2 and will be presented in D2.1 and D2.2.

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7.1 Results: energy – baseline heat balance
22
0
200
400
600
800
1.000
1.200
1.400
1.600
Jan Feb Mär Apr Mai Jun Jul Aug Sep Okt Nov Dez
Wärme
[MWh]
Wärmebedarf Gebäude & Sonstiges Wärmebedarf Faulung Wärmeproduktion
Before the implementation of the NextGen solutions (Kabisch 2016, Demoware):
Heat
[MWh]
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Heat production
by CHP
Heat demand
for digestion
Heat demand for
buildings etc.
→ In summer, the heat demand is below the produced heat amount
→ In winter, the heat demand is higher than the produced heat amount

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7.1. Results and key performance indicators (KPIs)
Up to 25% increase in methane production rate during TPH operation
0 200 400 600
Time [d]
0
100
200
300
400
500
Methane
production
rate
[m³/h] F1 (53 °C) + F2 (38 °C) + F3 (38 °C)
Stop
TPH
Start
TPH

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Organic loading rate ranges mainly between 1 and 3 kg DM/(m³*d)
→ Increase in methane production rate due to TPH
Stop
TPH
Start
TPH

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0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
Time [d]
0
200
400
600
PO
4
-P
[mg/L]
0
25
50
75
100
Recovery
rate
[%]
Influent
Effluent
Recovery rate
90
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Expected recovery rate:
Full-scale nutrientrecovery
GOAL: Phosphorusrecovery
T= 53 °C T= 53 °C
Struvite
→ Recovery rate is stilltoo low: crystal size is too small

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Full-scale nutrientrecovery
GOAL: Nitrogen recovery
T= 53 °C T= 53 °C
→ Recovery rate is higher than required
→ Optimization in order to save energy and chemicals
0 2 4 40 42 44 46 48 50 52
Time [d]
0
500
1000
1500
NH
4
-N
[mg/L]
0
25
50
75
100
Recovery
rate
[%]
Influent
Effluent
Recovery rate
Expected range
(NH4)2SO4

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8. Progress: energy & material
Case Study
number &
name
Subtasks
Technology
baseline
sector
TRL Capacity Quantifiable target Status / progress
# 1
Braunschwei
g (DE)
Location:
WWTP
Braun-
schweig
Sub-Task
1.3.2
Internal heat
usage and heat
management
for two-stage
digestion
system & TPH
Three one-stage
digesters; heat
reuse from CHPs
for tempering
the digesters
and the
surrounding
buildings
Two-stage digestion system
with thermal pressure
hydrolysis (TPH) between
the two stages: higher heat
demand due to TPH, reuse
of excess heat from TPH
and more available heat
from CHP due to increased
methane yield
Digestion
system with
TPH:
TRL 8 → 9
On average:
up to 250 m³/h
methane
production
without TPH;
with TPH
increase to
330 m³/h
Biogas production:
Up to 25% increase in
methane production
due to TPH.
Due to unexpected
and necessary
retrofitting measures
for the plant and due
to COVID-19 situation,
the operation of the
whole recovery plant
was stopped for 3
months. Since October
2020, the recovery
again.
Sub-Task
1.4.7
Full-scale
nutrient
recovery from
wastewater
Irrigation and
fertilization of
agricultural
fields with
WWTP effluent
and digestate
struvite production
TRL 9
Around 250 t
struvite
(dry)/year
equals to 30 t
P/year and 15 t
N/year
Struvite precipitation
(≥90% of P recovered
from P load to recovery
unit)
ammonium sulfate
production
TRL 9
Around 2200 t
ammonium
sulfate solution
(wet)/year
equals to 170 t
N/year
(NH4)2SO4
(>85% of N recovered
from N load to recovery
unit)

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8. Progress – energy
# Nº Case Study
Involved
sub-tasks
Baseline: CE
intervention / demo
type
Status Contingency plan
#1
Braunschweig,
Germany
Location:
WWTP Braunschweig
Lead Partner: AVB
Partners involved: KWB
Sub-Task
1.3.2
Two-stage digestion
system with thermal
pressure hydrolysis
(TPH) between the
two stages: higher
heat demand due to
TPH, reuse of excess
heat from TPH and
more available heat
from CHP due to
increased methane
yield
Due to unexpected and
necessary retrofitting
measures for the plant and
due to COVID-19 situation, the
operation of the whole
recovery plant (incl. TPH) was
stopped for 3 months. In July
2020, the recovery plant
started operation again.
However operation was
paused several times
afterwards as at TPH and
screw extruder occured
leakages, clogging and error
messages which needed to be
solved by the manufacturing
companies. Since October
2020 the plant is in full and
continuous operation.
This task will still last 18 months
as foreseen. However, the time
period is shifted one year and
will now finish in M36 instead of
M24.

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8. Progress - material
# Nº Case Study
Involved
sub-tasks
Baseline: CE
intervention / demo
type
#1
Braunschweig,
Germany
Location:
WWTP Braunschweig
Lead Partner: AVB
Partners involved: KWB
Sub-Task
1.4.7
struvite production
Due to unexpected and necessary
retrofitting measures for the plant
and due to COVID-19 situation, the
operation of the whole recovery
plant was stopped for 3 months. In
July 2020, the recovery plant
started operation again. However
operation was paused several
times afterwards as at TPH and
screw extruder occured leakages,
clogging and error messages
which needed to be solved by the
manufacturing companies. Since
October 2020 the plant is in full
and continuous operation.
This task will still last 24
months as foreseen.
However, the time period is
postponed about 6 months
and will now finish in M42
instead of M36.
ammonium sulfate
production

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Next steps planned: from November 2020 on
Task M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M9 M10 M11 M12
Commissioning struvite recovery unit
Analysis internal heat management
thermal hydrolysis + two stage
digestion
Different operational strategies internal
heat management
Analysis recovered products
Optimization specifications recovered
products
8. Next steps

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8. Next steps
Planned timetable
Updated timetable
Case study Task description Task M1 - M6 M7 - M12 M13-M18 M19-M24 M25-M30 M31-M36 M37-M42 M43-48
Full-scale system for thermal hydrolysis, two-stage digestion and nutrient recovery via NH3
stripping and struvite precipitation will be commissioned successively, starting end of 2018
1.3.2
Internal heat management will be analysed in the first two years of operation to cover the heat
demand of thermal hydrolysis and two-stage digestion without using external fuels
1.3.2
Different operational strategies will be checked to make maximum use of available heat (e.g.
seasonal operation of heat storage, changing to thermophilic digestion, heat sale)
1.3.2
Products of nutrient recovery (e.g. ammonium sulfate, struvite) will be analysed on a regular
basis to provide data for risk assessment (WP2) and for checking legal conformity of products
with existing rules
1.4.7
Specifications of recovered fertilizers will be optimised (e.g. concentration, particle size,
nutrient content) to match farmers demand, and potential options for product refinement will
be checked
1.4.7
Braunschweig (GR)
Task description Task M1 - M6 M7 - M12 M13-M18 M19-M24 M25-M30 M31-M36 M37-M42 M43-48
Full-scale system for thermal hydrolysis, two-stage digestion and nutrient recovery via NH3 stripping
and struvite precipitation will be commissioned successively, starting end of 2019
1.3.2
Internal heat management will be analysed in the first two years of operation to cover the heat
demand of thermal hydrolysis and two-stage digestion without using external fuels
1.3.2
Different operational strategies will be checked to make maximum use of available heat (e.g.
seasonal operation of heat storage, changing to thermophilic digestion, heat sale)
1.3.2
Products of nutrient recovery (e.g. ammonium sulfate, struvite) will be analysed on a regular basis
to provide data for risk assessment (WP2) and for checking legal conformity of products with existing
rules
1.4.7
Specifications of recovered fertilizers will be optimised (e.g. concentration, particle size, nutrient
content) to match farmers demand, and potential options for product refinement will be checked
1.4.7

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8. Next steps
Task Reason for modifications Progress + next steps
T1.3.2
Initiate the demonstration of internal
heat usage and heat management
for two-stage digestion and sludge
hydrolyses at Braunschweig
(Ongoing / slight delay of partial
tasks (rescheduled)
Some delay on the commissioning of full scale plant, but the demonstration schedule
has been restructured to ensure the global objectives of the site; during construction
phase several delays occured due to problems of the technical finishing craft which
laid to further delays of following works. The initial planned start of commissioning at
the end of 2018 had to be changed to mid 2019. Due to COVID-19 situation, the
operation of the whole recovery plant (incl. TPH) was stopped for 3 months as the
danish manufacturing company of the TPH was not able to do several repairings and
maintenances. In July 2020, the recovery plant started operation again. However
operation was paused several times afterwards as at TPH and screw extruder
occured leakages, clogging and error messages which needed to be solved by the
manufacturing companies. Since October 2020 the plant is in full and continuous
operation. Nevertheless the delay has no consequences regarding the
demonstration of the internal heat usage and heat management.
Construction phase including delays of
several trades was finished at mid 2019.
Commissioning began at
August/September 2019. Analysis of the
operation of the thermal pressure
hydrolysis and the two stage digestion
started in the first half of 2020. Due to
COVID-19 situation analysis was paused
and restarted in October 2020.
T1.4.7
Initiate the demonstration of full-
scale nutrient recovery from
wastewater and reuse in agriculture
at Braunschweig (Ongoing / slight
delay of partial tasks (rescheduled))
Some delay on the commissioning of full scale plant, but the demonstration schedule
has been restructured to ensure the global objectives of the site; during construction
phase several delays occurred due to problems of the technical finishing craft which
laid to further delays of following works. The initial planned start of commissioning at
the end of 2018 had to be changed to mid 2019. Nevertheless the delay has no
consequences regarding the demonstration of the full-scale nutrient recovery from
wastewater; Furthermore several problems occurred during commissioning of the
struvite recovery plant due to unexpected blockage issues. Therefore the technical
configuration and geometry of struvite recovery unit was adapted at
January/February 2020. Due to COVID-19 situation, the operation of the whole
recovery plant (incl. TPH) was stopped for 3 months as the danish manufacturing
company of the TPH was not able to do several repairings and maintenances. In July
2020, the recovery plant started operation again. However operation was paused
several times afterwards as at TPH and screw extruder occured leakages, clogging
and error messages which needed to be solved by the manufacturing companies.
Since October 2020 the plant is in full and continuous operation. Nevertheless the
delay has no consequences regarding the demonstration of thefull-scale nutrient
recovery.
Construction phase including delays of
several trades was finished at mid 2019.
Commissioning began at
September/October 2019. Adaption of
configuration and geometry of the struvite
recovery unit was finished in February
2020. Constant operation of the struvite
recovery unit with sufficient particle size is
expected at end 2020.

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Water Materials
Relevant data
Lead partners
6.4 hm3 water reused / year
Relevant sectors
Factory Agriculture Water treatment Drinking
water
#2.
Costa Brava (ES)
Tossa de Mar WRP
Touristic region located on the
Mediterranean, characterized by high
seasonal demand, frequent water
scarcity episodes, also causing saltwater
intrusion.
It is one of the first areas in the uptake of water
reuse in Europe with 14 full-scale tertiary
treatments that provide 4 hm3/year (2016) for
agricultural irrigation, environmental uses, non-
potable urban uses and, recently, indirect
potable reuse.
Introduction to the demo case:
https://nextgenwater.eu/costa-brava-region/

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In the case of Costa Brava site, a pilot plant integrated by ultrafiltration (UF) and
nanofiltration (NF) modules fitted with RO regenerated membranes was installed in
December 2019 at the WWTP of Tossa de Mar.
The pilot plant was allocated after the sand filter of the tertiary treatment of the
WWTP. It will operate for 2 years (2020-2021). During this period, the operation
conditions of this new system will be evaluated, as well as the quality of the water
obtained to be used for the irrigation of private gardens.

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Flocculation /
Coagulation
Chlorination
Secondary
Clarifier
Current tertiary treatment
Water
reuse
Sand
Filter
UV
lamps
Lamella
clarifier
Pre-
Chlorination

36
✓ By this way, the time-life of RO membranes will be increased,
and the generated quantity of this waste diminished.
✓ Regenerate end-of-life reverse osmosis (RO) membranes to obtain
different molecular cut-offs to be used in the multipurpose fit-for-use
reclamation system. 2 year pilot.
✓ Produce fit-for-use water quality for sensitive uses to extend the use of
reclaimed water in the area: irrigation of private gardens and, theoretically,
indirect potable reuse through aquifer recharge.
✓ Integrated urban/regional water cycle optimisation including all the
relevant actors.

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Costa Brava

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4. Summary Table
Case Study
number &
name
Subtasks Technology baseline
NextGen intervention in circular
economy for water sector
TRL Capacity
Quantifiable
target
Status /
progress
# 2
Costa Brava
(ES)
Location:
Tossa de
Mar
Sub-Task
1.2.2
Integration
of recycled
membranes
in
multiquality
-
multipurpos
e water
reuse
WWTP with a tertiary
treatment integrated by a
pre-chlorination treatment, a
coagulation / flocculation
process, a sand filter and UV
lamp treatment.
Pilot plant from
ZEROBRINE Project consists
of an ultrafiltration (UF) and
nanofiltration (NF) modules
that can treat up to 2 m3/h of
water.
Refurbishment and adaptation of
the pilot plant from ZEROBRINE
Project:
ultrafiltration (UF) and
nanofiltration (NF) modules are
fitted with reverse osmosis (RO)
regenerated membranes used as
a final treatment of urban
effluents in the WWTP of Tossa
de Mar to obtain a regenerated
water for being used to irrigate
private gardens.
TRL 5 →
7
Pilot plant
which
produces 2
m3/h of
regenerate
d water
Regenerated
water (2 m3/h)
for private
garden
irrigation (RD
1620/2007,
Spain)
Theoretically:
Indirect Potable
Reuse by
aquifers
recharge
Ongoing.
Pilot plant
refurbished,
adapted and
implemented.
Start-up was
foreseen on
June 2020
(according to
the initial
timeline), but
due to COVID-
19, it will be
delayed after
June probably.
Sub-Task
1.2.2
Integration
of recycled
membranes
in
multiquality
-
multipurpos
e water
reuse
Regenerated effluent from
tertiary treatment is
nowadays used for public
garden irrigation.
Multi-purpose water reclamation
and reuse:
- Irrigation of private gardens
(which requires a higher
quality of the effluent
compared to the used for
public garden irrigation,
according to Spanish RD
1620/2007)
- Theoretical study of indirect
potable water reuse
throughout the determination
of the emergent pollutants in
the regenerated effluent
compared with current one.
TRL 9

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Secondary
Clarifier
Chlorination
Water
reuse
Sand
Filter
UV
lamps
UF/NF with
regenerated
membranes
tertiary treatment
Flocculation /
Coagulation
Lamella
clarifier
Pre-
Chlorination
- Irrigation of private
gardens (RD 1620/2003)
- Theoretically: Indirect
Potable Reuse by aquifers
recharge
Scheme of the new Nextgen solution

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Principal and main characteristics of the pilot plant
The pilot plant (located within a sea container of 20 feet (6.05m)) is fed with water from the sand filter of
the tertiary treatment of Tossa de Mar WWTP.
It consists of a 50 µm mesh filter to remove the coarse particulate matter coupled to a UF stage, where two
modules are installed in parallel: one based on regenerated RO membranes and the other is a commercial
one. Finally, it can be found the NF stage based on regenerated RO membranes.
The pilot plant has an estimated production flowrate of 2,2 m3/h. The water produced is disinfected by the
online addition of sodium hypochlorite and it is stored in a 10m3 tank. This tank is placed in an easily
accessible area, from where the water tank truck can pick it up and distribute it to the end-user sites. The
regenerated water will be used for private garden irrigation.

41
P&I diagram of the pilot plant
UF (dead end) – commercial membranes
UF (dead end) –
regenerated RO
membranes
UF permeate tank
NF permeate tank
NF – regenerated RO
membranes
Concentrate – recirculated
to the inlet of WWTP
Reagent dispensers
1000 L tank
500 L
tank
500 L
tank
100 L
tank
100 L
tank
100 L
tank
NF – regenerated RO
membranes
Waste
100 L
tank
100 L
tank
100 L
tank
Reagent dispensers
Mesh filter
500 L
tank
Feed tank
Security
filters

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Pictures of the pilot plant
UF module
2 X RO
module
Mesh filter
Security filtre for RO
3 x container
UF reagents
3 x RO reagent container
pH, EC...
sensors
Feed
500L
UF->RO
1000L
Permeate
container
2x500L
Air conditioner

43
Pictures of the pilot plant

45
During the pilot operation, the monitoring of the quality and quantity of regenerated water is foreseen. The
parameters fixed by the Quality 1.1. of RD 1620/2007 as well as the screening of trace organic compounds
(TrOCs) (pharmaceutical, EDCs, pesticides and the WL 2018 products) will be evaluated in the “NF permeate
tank”.
In the end-user site, the free/total chlorine, turbidity, TSS, N and P are also foreseen to be quantified in order
to ensure the water quality just before the irrigation of private gardens.
Water type
Intestinal
nematodes
Escherichia
coli
Suspended
solids
Turbidity
Legionella
spp.
Free/Total
chlorine
Other
Outlet of
pilot plant
(stored in the
10 m3 tank)
Twice / month Twice/ week Once / week Twice / week Once / month Twice / week
5 selected TrOC:s
once/month
Screening TrOCs:
once / 3 month
End-user site N/A N/A
Occasionally
(when water is
discharged)
Occasionally
(when water is
discharged)
N/A Twice / week
N, P
(occasionally)
Table 1. Monitoring foreseen in the project framework.
6.1. Pilot plant operation

46
6.2. Tools for environmental & economic impacts assessment at
Costa Brava (WP2)
• Quantitative microbial risk assessment via the AquaNES online tool
• Hydroptim system design of water supply
• This information will be collected in D2.2

47
7. Results and Specific KPIs of the NextGen solutions
7.1 Specific KPIs
Case
study
Topic Objectives
Specific Key Performance Indicator
(KPI)
Current value
Expected
value
#2
Costa
Brava
(ES)
Wastewater
treatment and
reuse
To increase the production of
regenerated water for private garden
irrigation
Water yield of the system [% of
regenerated water produced for private
garden irrigation]
0 % > 70 %
To reduce the salinity of the effluent
Salt rejection yield [% salt removal vs
inlet flow]
0 % > 80 %
To reduce the content of trace organic
compounds (TrOCs) of the
regenerated water
Global removal yield for several
priority/emergent pollutants [%]
0 % (To be updated with
the current removal of
WWTP)
> 90 %
To reduce the TSS and turbidity of the
effluent
TSS and turbidity removal yield vs inlet
flow to the system [%]
0 % (To be updated with
the current removal of
WWTP
> 95 %
To reduce the pathogens content of
the effluent
[E.coli] final effluent [CFU/100mL] 1 0
[Intestinal nematodes] final effluent
[egg/10L]
1 ≤ 1
[Legionella spp.] final effluent
[CFU/100mL]
< 100 < 100
Energy
To reduce electricity consumption of
the Nextgen UF & NF processes
compared with conventional ones
Electricity consumption [kWh/m3
regenerated water]
2 kWh/m3 (Garcia-Ivars
2017) To be
calculated
once in
stable
operation
Materials
Evaluation of the viability of the RO
recycled membranes
Flux [l m-2 h-1] related to
transmembrane pressure [bar]
13 lm2h/bar (Garcia-Ivars
2017)
Salt rejection [%] compared to a
commercial membrane of the same type
> 97% (NF270)

48
7. Results
7.2. Characterization of inlet water to the pilot plant
Parameters and number of samples
Sampling 1 Sampling 2 Sampling 3 Sampling 4 Sampling 5 Sampling 6
Des-18 March-19 Jul-19 Oct-19 Març-20 oct-20
Physicochemical parameters
pH 0 1 1 1 1 1
CE 0 1 1 1 1 1
SDI (embrutiment membrana) 0 1 1 1 1 1
Turbidity 0 1 1 1 1 1
TSS 0 1 1 1 1 1
COD total 0 1 1 1 1 1
BOD5 0 1 1 1 1 1
DOC 0 1 1 1 1 1
TIC 0 1 1 1 1 1
Anions 0 1 1 1 1 1
Cations 0 1 1 1 1 1
Metals 0 1 1 1 1 1
Nitrogen total 0 1 1 1 1 1
P total 0 1 1 1 1 1
Free chlorine/Total chlorine 0 1 1 1 1 1
Microbiological parameters
E.coli 0 0 1 1 1 1
Legionella spp. 0 0 1 1 1 1
Intestinal nematodes 0 0 1 1 1 1
CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGERS 0 0 1 1 1 1
BACTERIOFAGOS FECALES
SOMATICOS
0 0 1 1 1 1
TrOCs
Neonicotinoids - screening 5 1 1 1
No analized
1
Pesticides - screening 1 1 1 1 1
EDCs - screening 5 1 1 1 1
Pharmaceutical compounds - screening 5 1 1 1 1
Amoxicillin 5 1 1 1 1
Sampling campaigns

49
7. Results
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUNDS
7000
207000
407000
607000
807000
1007000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
5500
6000
6500
Ketoprofen
Naproxen
Ibuprofen
Indomethacine
Acetaminophen
Salicylic
acid
Diclofenac
Piroxicam
Tenoxicam
Meloxicam
Bezafibrate
Gemfibrozil
Pravastatin
Fluvastatin
Atorvastatin
Hydrochlorothiazide
Furosemide
Torasemide
Losartan
Irbesartan
Valsartan
Dexamethasone
Phenazone
Propyphenazone
Oxycodone
Codeine
Carbamazepine
10,11-Epoxy-carbamazepine
2-Hydroxy-carbamazepine
Acridone
Sertraline
Citalopram
Venlafaxine
Olanzapine
Trazodone
Fluoxetine
Norfluoxetine
Paroxetine
Diazepam
Lorazepam
Alprazolam
Loratadine
Desloratadine
Ranitidine
Famotidine
Cimetidine
Atenolol
Sotalol
Propanolol
Metoprolol
Nadolol
Carazolol
Glibenclamide
Amlodipine
Clopidogrel
Tamsulosin
Salbutamol
Warfarin
Iopromide
Albendazole
Norverapamil
Levamisole
Xylazine
Azaperone
Azaperol
Erythromycin
Azithromycin
Clarithromycin
Tetracycline
Ofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin
Sulfa-methoxazole
Trimethoprim
Metronidazole
Metronidazole-OH
Dimetridazole
Ronidazole
Cefalexin
Diltiazem
Verapamil
Amoxiciline
Concentration
(ng/L)
 Guide values of theoretical toxicology (obtained from various literature sources) of
sustained human intake over time supplied by Health Department of Catalunya.
Conservative values (safety margin: 1log)

50
7. Results
PESTICIDESCOMPOUNDS
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
1600
1700
Imidacloprid
Thiacloprid
Thiamethoxam
Clothianidin
Acetamiprid
Methiocarb
Trifluralin
Simazine
Atrazine
Atrazine-desethyl
(DEA)
Desisopropylatrazine
(DIA)
Alachlor
Terbutryn
Chlorpyrifos-ethyl
Chlorfenvinphos
Isoproturon
Diuron
4,4’-Dichlorobenzophenone
Quinoxyfen
Aclonifen
Bifenox
Cybutryne
Cypermethrin
Dichlorvos
Heptachlor
Heptachlor
epoxide
Oxadiazon*
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene
Hexachlorobutadiene
Pentachlorobenzene
Hexachlorobenzene
α-HCH
β-HCH
δ-HCH
γ-HCH
(lindane)
o,p’-DDE
o,p’-DDD
p,p’-DDE
p.p’DDD
o,p’DDT
p,p’-DDT
Aldrin
Isodrin
Dieldrin
Endrin
α-Endosulfan
β-Endosulfan
Endosulfan-sulfate
Terbuthylazine
Metolachlor
Azinphos-methyl
Azinphos-ethyl
Diazinon
Dimethoate
Fenitrothion
Chlorothalonil
Glyphosate
AMPA
2,4-D
2,4,5-T
MCPA
Dichlorprop
Mecoprop
MCPB
Chloridazon
Flufenacet
Fluopicolide
Azoxystrobin
Trifloxystrobin
Tritosulfuron
Iodosulfuron-methyl
Quinmerac
Dimethaclor
Dimethamid-P
Metazaclor
Metalaxyl-M
Propiconazole
Metolachlor
OA
Metolachlor
ESA
Concentration
(ng/L)
Limit of RD140/2003 related to drinking water

51
7. Results
100000
120000
140000
160000
180000
200000
220000
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
Concentration
(ng/L)
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
Concentration
(ng/L)
EDCs Other compounds
 Guide values of theoretical toxicology (obtained from various literature sources) of
sustained human intake over time supplied by Health Department of Catalunya. Conservative values (safety margin: 1log)

52
7. Results
7.3. Selection of TrOCs to be determined monthly
Quarterly Screening of TrOC
Determination of 5 TrOC
Monthly
1
[TrOC] effluent from sand filter > limit fixed by the legislation or
[TrOC] effluent from sand filter > guide value proposed
[TrOC] regenerated water > limit fixed by the legislation or
[TrOC] regenerated water > guide value proposed
Removal from NF with RO regenerated membranes < 90%
[TrOC] > 100 ng/L in all the sampling campaigns
TrOC included in the Watch List 2018
Nº Code
2
3
4
5
1. Caffeine (EDC)
2. Benzotriazole-1H (EDC)
3. AMPA (Pesticide)
4. 2,4-D (Pesticide)
5. Azithromycin (WL 2018)
(Pharmaceutical
compound)

53
7. Results
7.4. Preliminary experiments with regenerated RO membranes
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Removal
(%)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Removal
(%)
WL 2018
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Removal
(%)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100% Ketoprofen
Naproxen
Ibuprofen
Salicylic
acid
Diclofenac
Gemfibrozil
Atorvastatin
Hydrochlorothiazide
Losartan
Irbesartan
Valsartan
Codeine
Carbamazepine
10,11-Epoxy-carbamazepine
2-Hydroxy-carbamazepine
Citalopram
Venlafaxine
Trazodone
Lorazepam
Atenolol
Sotalol
Propanolol
Metoprolol
Clopidogrel
Tamsulosin
Iopromide
Norverapamil
Levamisole
Azithromycin
Clarithromycin
Ofloxacin
Sulfa-methoxazole
Trimethoprim
Dimetridazole
Diltiazem
Verapamil
Removal
(%)
WL 2018

54
7. Results
7.5. Preliminary tests with the pilot plant
y = 0,4173x + 7,9843
R² = 0,9665
13
13,5
14
14,5
15
15,5
16
0 5 10 15 20
RO
Flux
(L/m2/h)
TMP (bar)
LMH vs Pressure
Operated at 70% conversion – 13 lmh
Fouling observed in the membrane
Turbidity (NTU) SDI Conductivity (mS/cm)
Mean St. Dev Mean St. Dev
Feed of SF 6,96 1,38
Feed to UF 5,41 0,81 >5
Permeate UF 0,50 0,37 1,7 1,297007 0,010531
Permeate regenerated NF 0,33 0,15 0,251437 0,001177

55
Case Study
number & name
NextGen intervention in circular
economy for water sector
Status
Status/
Contingency plan
# 2
Costa Brava
(ES)
Location: Tossa
de Mar
Sub-Task
1.2.2
Integration of
recycled
membranes in
multiquality-
multipurpose
water reuse
WWTP with a tertiary treatment
integrated by a pre-chlorination
treatment, a coagulation /
flocculation process, a sand filter
and UV lamp treatment.
Pilot plant from
ZEROBRINE Project consists of an
ultrafiltration (UF) and
nanofiltration (NF) modules that
can treat up to 2 m3/h of water.
Refurbishment and adaptation of the
pilot plant from ZEROBRINE Project:
ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration
(NF) modules are fitted with reverse
osmosis (RO) regenerated membranes
used as a final treatment of urban
effluents in the WWTP of Tossa de
Mar to obtain a regenerated water for
being used to irrigate private gardens.
The pilot plant is
already installed in
the Tossa de Mar
WWTP from
February 2020.
The start-up of the
pilot plant was
planned for June
2020 (M24).
However, due to
SARS-CoV-2
restrictions, the
start-up of the pilot
plant experimented
some delay. So at
the end, the pilot
during September
2020.
Ongoing.
Pilot plant
refurbished,
adapted,
implemented and
in operation.
It is foreseen to
shorten the time
dedicated to
evaluate the
several types of
regenerated
membranes: 21
months instead of
24 months. So
there is still
enough time to
properly evaluate
the proposed
technologies.
Sub-Task
1.2.2
Integration of
recycled
membranes in
multiquality-
multipurpose
water reuse
Regenerated effluent from tertiary
treatment is nowadays used for
public garden irrigation.
Multi-purpose water reclamation and
reuse:
- Irrigation of private gardens (which
requires a higher quality of the
effluent compared to the used for
public garden irrigation, according
to Spanish RD 1620/2007)
- Theoretical study of indirect potable
water reuse throughout the
determination of the emergent
pollutants in the regenerated
effluent compared with current one.

56
Planned timetable
Updated timetable
Task description Task M1 - M6 M7 - M12 M13-M18 M19-M24 M25-M30 M31-M36 M37-M42 M43-48
Establishment of current status (baseline conditions) and design of the pilot reclamation scheme for irrigation of private
gardens with local operator
1.2.2
Obtaining end-of-life membranes and optimization of regeneration conditions at bench scale to reach UF and NF conditions. 1.2.2
Regeneration and testing of 8-inch modules. 1.2.2
Refurbishment and adaptation of pilot plant from ZEROBRINE project 1.2.2
Installation and commissioning of pilot plant at Tossa de Mar WWTP 1.2.2
Operation of water reuse pilot. Evaluation of performance according to Spanish regulations for private irrigation and study of
specific microbial (UF evaluation)
1.2.2
Operation of water reuse pilot. Evaluation of performance according to Spanish regulations for other uses (i.e. aquifer
recharge) and study of specific microbial and trace pollutants removal (NF-RO evaluation)
1.2.2
Assessment of results and extrapolation to other WWTP in the demo site 1.2.2
Task description Task M1 - M6 M7 - M12 M13-M18 M19-M24 M31-M36 M37-M42 M43-48
Establishment of current status (baseline conditions) and design of the pilot reclamation scheme for irrigation of private
gardens with local operator
1.2.2
Obtaining end-of-life membranes and optimization of regeneration conditions at bench scale to reach UF and NF conditions. 1.2.2
Regeneration and testing of 8-inch modules. 1.2.2
Refurbishment and adaptation of pilot plant from ZEROBRINE project 1.2.2
Installation and commissioning of pilot plant at Tossa de Mar WWTP 1.2.2
specific microbial and trace organic compounds removals (NF fitted with RO regenerated membranes & UF with comercial
membranes)
1.2.2
specific microbial and trace organic compounds removals (UF & NF fitted with RO regenerated membranes)
Operation of water reuse pilot. Evaluation of performance according to Spanish regulations for other uses (i.e. aquifer
recharge) and study of specific microbial and trace pollutants removals (best RO regenerated membranes used to fit the UF &
NF modules)
1.2.2
Assessment of results and extrapolation to other WWTP in the demo site 1.2.2
M25-M30

57
Water
Westland Region
Relevant data Relevant sectors
Horticulture Heavy port industry Chemicals
industry
Lead partners
0,5 M households served
100-150 PJ Excess heat supply (industry
near outside Westland)
600 horticulture companies, 2300 ha
120-75 PJ Excess heat demand
(horticulture, cities)
Energy
Drinking water
companies
Introduction to the demo case: https://nextgenwater.eu/westland-region/

58

59
2.1. Current situation greenhouse horticulture industry
Westland
Block diagram of the pre-existing treatment
scheme in horticulture
Horticulture uses rainwater (collected in
shallow basins) for irrigation but in times of
shortages this is supplemented with brackish
groundwater (desalinated by RO).
Inside the greenhouses, water is recirculated,
evaporated water is condensed and emission
of nutrients and pesticides minimised.
Final wastewater treatment to reduce
PPP/pesticides emissions.
Natural gas and electricity are used for heating
and lightning. CO2 of the CHP is used to
increase crop yields.

60
2.2. Current situation urban area Delfland region
In the urban areas (Rotterdam,The Hague, Delft), water level
management is in place with the purpose of flood
prevention.
High quality drinking water is provided from treated surface
water (Dunea, Evides) and recovered materials are brokered
to end users (AquaMinerals).
At the 4 WWTPs, advanced treatment systems are in place,
including biogas production and nutrient recovery. Effluent
is discharged to the sea (HH Delfland)
WWTP Harnaschpolder

61
ASR Parameter
Mean value
for 2018
Standard
deviation
Comments
Water yield of the
system
Current system
Rainfall climatology of the area
(mm/year or L/m2/year)
720 ca. 100
This is the amount of rainwater fallen in the
Rotterdam). The long year average is 845 mm
source for irrigation water is common in horticu
Volume of water recovered vs
rainfall (m3
/year)
6,500,000 2,000,000
The 6.5 M m3 is approximately the annual amou
horticulture in the Westland area (harvesting eff
Water quality
Quality of rainwater
harvested
COD (mg O2 /l) 32 - -
BOD5 (mg O2 /l) 5.7 - -
pH 6.2 - -
TSS (mg/l) 17 - -
N Kjeldahl (mg N/l) 1.9 - -
Total nitrogen (mg N/l) 1.9 - -
Total phosphorus (mg P/l) 0.4 - -
Energy
consumption
Current water storage
/ infiltration /
pumping system
Whole system (kWh/m3) 0.55 - -
ATES Parameter
Mean value
for 2018
Standard
deviation
Comments
Aquifer Thermal
Energy Storage
systems (ATES)
Primary energy Reduction of consumption (%) 50
Thermal T cold well (0C) 5
T warm well (0C) 18
Heat demand warm well (TJ) 23
Cooling demand cold well (TJ) 16
2.3. Current situation for ASR and ATES

62
The main objective of the Westland demo case is the demonstration of an integrated
approach for a circular water system at the Delfland region.
In the region already numerous initiatives exist of circular technologies related to e.g.
rainwater harvesting and reuse in horticulture, aquifer thermal energy storage, urban
water management and resource recovery from WWTPs.
In NextGen, a regional management strategy for a circular water-energy-materials
system will be implemented at regional scale, supported by a CoP to have active
cooperation between stakeholders.

63
The key innovations and actions:
1. For the transition towards a more circular water system in the Delfland region, an integrated
assessment of performance of technologies and strategies will be done.
This assessment will include (T1.2.1):
• the use of alternative water sources (through region-wide rainwater storage and reuse using large
scale Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR) systems and reuse of WWTP effluent) and advanced water
treatment systems (recycling and purification) for the horticulture sector,
• and several urban water management systems (rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, green
roofs and domestic water saving).
2. For an integrated water-energy approach in the Delfland region, the contribution of Aquifer
Thermal Energy Storage systems (ATES) to the overall energy balance will be assessed.
This assessment will include (T1.3.5):
• a feasibility study of a High Temperature-Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage system (HT-ATES) at the
horticulture Koppert Cress, and the role HT-ATES could play in the South-Holland heat roundabout.
3. For the upscaling of the recovery of materials and resources from the water system, a novel
business model of reused materials brokerage will be demonstrated (T5.1)

64
Westland
Positioning of demo case
within the CE

65
4. Summary Table
Case Study
number &
name
Subtasks
Technology
baseline
NextGen intervention
in circular economy for
water sector
TRL Capacity
Quantifiable
target
Status / progress
#3 Westland,
Netherlands
Location:
Delfland region.
It is the
catchment area
of the
Waterboard
Delfland
Sub-Task 1.2.1
One ASR showcase
in the Delfland
region. Total area
27 ha.
Location:
Groeneweg 75, ‘S
Gravenzande
Aquifer Storage &
Recovery (ASR) systems
TRL 7/8 → 9
Average of
8500
m3/ha/year
Volume of
rainwater
collected from
the roofs and
partly stored in
aboveground
basins and
recovered for
horticulture
irrigation.
Region-wide
water balance
(from linear to
circular; m3/y).
Ongoing.
In NextGen a more circular water
concept for the Delfland region
(initiate, propagate, analyze) is
demonstrated. In the region several
initiatives are already in
development, such as Coastar
(upscaling ASR) and Waterbank
(solution for discharge of brine in the
subsurface).
The options to use alternative water
sources for the horticulture sector
(region-wide rainwater use through
ASR and reuse of WWTP-effluent)
and urban water management
systems (rainwater harvesting, grey
water recycling, domestic water
saving, green roofs) are being
assessed and discussed with
stakeholders.

66
4. Summary Table
Case Study
number &
name
Subtasks
Technology
baseline
sector
TRL Capacity
Quantifiable
target
Status / progress
#3 Westland,
Netherlands
Location:
Delfland region.
It is the
catchment area
of the
Waterboard
Delfland
Sub-Task 1.2.1
No wastewater
purification
systems at the
horticulture
companies before
2018
Water recycling and
individual/collective water
purification system for
horticulture
TRL 9
TRL 6 → 8
Average use
of water
7500
m3/ha/year
in company
Waste water
stream
horticulture
varies from 0
– 500 m3/ha/
year.
Water use
(m3/ha/y) and
water efficiency
(condensate
and use
evaporate
water).
Wastewater
treated
(m3/ha/y).
Ongoing.
Almost all greenhouses in the
region (total 2500 ha) already
have cyclic irrigation water
streams.
There is a new obligation by law to
have a water purification system
or zero emission (realization
period (2018 – 2021). Currently
the horticulture farmers are opting
for either individual, collective, or
central collective wastewater
treatment.
Within NextGen, the options for
enhanced water treatment
systems (recycling and
purification) in horticulture are
included in the assessment of a
closed water system in Delfland
(see above).

67
4. Summary Table
Case Study
number &
name
Subtasks
Technology
baseline
circular economy for
water sector
TRL Capacity
Quantifiable
target
Status / progress
#3 Westland,
Netherlands
Location:
Delfland region.
It is the
catchment area
of the
Waterboard
Delfland
Sub-Task 1.3.5
Several in
operation
Heat harvesting unit (ATES) TRL 5 → 7
ATES systems
(TJ)
Region-wide
water-energy
balance.
Common practice
in rural/urban
area.
Ongoing.
In Delfland region several ATES
systems are in operation. Within
NextGen, the contribution of ATES
systems to the region-wide water-
energy balance (including the heat
roundabout) is being assessed. In
particular, the option to enhance
ATES into HT-ATES systems is
demonstrated (see below).
Sub-Task 1.3.5 Pilot set-up
High Temperature-Aquifer
Thermal Energy Storage
system (HT-ATES)
TRL 4 → 6
Pilot location:
heat demand
23 TJ, cold
demand 16 TJ
Energy efficiency
(energy and exergy
produced/stored,
%).
Ongoing.
The HT-ATES at horticulture
Koppert Cress is in operation and
within NextGen the performance is
being monitored.
The knowledge gained from this
test location will be used to assess
the region-wide water-energy
balance. Next step to make it
possible by law and license.

68
For the transition towards a more circular water system in the Delfland region (T1.2.1):
• Assessment of the contribution of several technology options to further close the water system, by
UWOT modelling of scenarios.
Scenarios include:
• extension of large scale rainwater harvesting through Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR)
• water recycling and individual/collective water purification system at horticulture industry
• the reuse of WWTP effluent for horticulture
• urban water management systems (rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, green roofs and
domestic water saving).
For an integrated water-energy approach in the Delfland region (T1.3.5):
• Assessment of the contribution of Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage systems (ATES) to the overall
energy balance
• Feasibility study of a High Temperature-Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage system (HT-ATES) at the
horticulture Koppert Cress

69
• Baseline conditions for Westland reflect the present-day state of the
regional water system, including both urban and rural (horticulture) uses.
• Reflects current water system technologies already in place: central
networks for DW/WW, shallow RW basins for horticulture.
• Data from multiple (open) sources are collected to form baseline conditions.
A relevant geodatabase about Westland is populated that will be also
used for modeling tasks (WP2).
Baseline condition Sources
Household consumption details
(uses and frequencies of use)
National statistics (WaterStatistieken)
Number of households, household types cbs.nl (Provincie Zuid-Holland)
hhdelfland.nl (Delfland Water Board)
Rainfall (daily time-series), last 30 years KNMI
Spatial characteristics of urban areas
(pervious/impervious)
Land uses in urban and horti areas
hdddelfland.nl (Delfland Water Board)
pdok.nl (Dutch open datasets)
zuid-holland.nl (Provincie Zuid-Holland)
CORINE land cover (EU dataset)
Spatial characteristics of rural areas
Number of greenhouses
Greenhouse demands (daily time-series)
Past KWR consultancy (COASTAR, Waterbanking)
Internal KWR data
Baseline
Households follow linear WM
Greenhouses rely on shallow RW basins
5.1. Towards a circular regional water system
Baselinescenarios

70
UWOT
topology
• Pairing with a
spreadsheet database for
model I/O.
Baseline
hh’s follow linear WM
Greenhouses rely on shallow RW basins
data in
data out
spreadsheet
geodatabase
The baseline conditions geodatabase for Westland feeds into
the Westland UWOT model of WP2.
Baselinescenarios

71
Baselinescenarios

72
Circular scenarios
A first draft of six scenarios that represent different circular futures:
• different mixture of techs in urban settings (RWH/GWR)
• different mixture of techs in horticulture (RWH/use of ASR technology)
• one scenario with collective water purification system for horticulture that connects urban settings and horticulture (WWTP reuse to GH)
Scenarios are discussed against key stakeholders in collaboration with WP3 (Westland CoP, Sept. 2020) – certain alterations will be
made based on stakeholder feedback.
These scenarios represent different policy pathways that materialize to technological decisions – improvements on either urban or
horticulture water systems, or both.
Rainproof
25% of hh’s have RWH
GHs rely on RW basins
A
Circular
25% of hh’s have
circular system
(RWH/GWR)
GHs rely on RW basins
B
Water-aware
25% of hh’s have
circular system
(RWH/GWR)
25% of hh’s have
water-saving devices
GHs rely on RW
basins
C
Green roof
25% of hh’s have
RWH
50% of public
impervious spaces
have green roofs
GHs rely on RW
basins
D
Water-aware
ASR
25% of hh’s have
circular system
(RWH/GWR)
25% of hh’s have
water-saving devices
10% of GHs have ASR
E
Black to
green
25% of hh’s have
circular system
(RWH/GWR)
5% of water treated
from WWTPs returned
to GHs
F

73
5.1. Water recycling and collective water purification system for
horticulture.
✓ Target: Zero emission of nutrients and pesticides in 2027;
✓ Water purification obligation from 1-1-21
✓ Participation of 1100 ha horticulture area
✓ In 2020 a decision was taken to built an additional
treatment step (O3) at WWTP Nieuwe Waterweg (Hoek
van Holland) as collective wastewater treatment facility
for Westland horticulture (by 2022).
✓ Wastewater will be purified at Nieuwe Waterweg and
Groote Lucht to irrigation water quality for the
horticulture (reverse osmosis)
WWTP Hoek van Holland

74
5.2/5.3. Water and energy storage systems for horticulture.
Scheme of the new NextGen solution
Extension of ASR (water T1.2.1) and ATES (energy
T1.3.5) systems at greenhouse horticulture industry
Assessment of the contribution of Aquifer Storage &
Recovery (ASR) and Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage
systems (ATES) to the regional water and energy balance.

75
5.2. Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR) systems.
Principle ASR in the horticulture
✓ Water quality demand for irrigation: [Na] < 0.5 mM →
Rainwater: primary irrigation water source for the
horticulture
✓ By the ASR the excess of rainwater (winter) is temporarily
stored in an aquifer (depth app. -20m to -40 m below
surface) so that it can be recovered in summer period as
irrigation water.
✓ The rainwater is collected from the roofs (area about 2500
ha) and partly stored in aboveground basins (average 800
m3/ha).
✓ Through ASR, almost all the annual rainfall (average about
8500 m3/ha) can be harvested. Moreover, the infiltration of
freshwater limits also further salinization of the aquifer.
✓ One ASR showcase in the Delfland region. Total area 27 ha
1
2
3
4
Only extraction from Aq. 1 and
concentrate injection in Aq. 2.
ASR in Aq. 1 and concentrate
injection in Aq. 2
1. Roof. Rain water
harvesting
2. Basin. Water
collection
3. Sand filtration
4. ASR. Subsurface
water storage and
recovery

76
Water banking to counteractsalinization and flooding
Storing collected rainwater in the subsurface may help to
counteract groundwater salinization and provide space in
the basins in which peak rainfall can be collected
However, recovery of stored water from brackish aquifers is
difficult, so an incentive is lacking. Such an incentive can be
created through water banking: groundwater extraction
becomes conditional to rainwater infiltration.
This concept is further investigated for several scenarios
• Water balances, including system efficiency and overflow during
rainfall events
• Effects on groundwater salinity
• Costs and (social) benefits
• Governance and legal possibilities
• Roadmap to implementation

77
Video of Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR) water banking systemin developmentin Westland

78
5.3. High temperature Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (HT-ATES)
In Westland, several Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage
systems are in operation.
In ATES, regular plate heat exchangers are used to
harvest heat.
Within NextGen:
1) The contribution of ATES to the regional energy
balance is assessed.
A heat demand and supply map is prepared.
2) The feasibility of converting ATES into High
Temperature ATES is studied.
At the horticulture Koppert-Cress a HT-ATES is piloted
and its performance monitored.
Aquifer
Surface level
COLD WELL WARM WELL
Distributers Pond Cold store solar array condensor CHP
Evaporator
ATES Heat harvesting unit

79
HT-ATES installedat horticulture
Slide 7
Heat
production
geothermal
doublet
HT- heat demand
(neighbouring
greenhouses)
LT-heat demand
(koppert-cress)
HT-ATES 80C HT-ATES 40C

80
HT-ATES installedat horticulture
Several heat exchangers in plant room
HT-ATES at Koppert Cress

81
6.1 Monitoring HT-ATES performance
Flow measurement in ATES well

82
6.2. Tools for environmental & economic impacts assessment at
Westland (WP2)
Water cycle tools:
• UWOT – KWR and Hydroptim - ADASA
• UWOT modelling will be used to model the current linear water system in the
Delfland region and to simulate different scenarios towards a more circular system.
This model will provide information on the effects on water quantity, including
relevant consequences related to climate change (runoff) and financial dimensions.
• The Hydroptim modelling will add to this the energy implications of the circular water
scenarios
Risk assessment:
• QMRA, supported with measurements – KWB & KWR
• Water quality related effects of the scenarios will be included, specifically by
performing a microbiological risk assessment of effluent reuse for horticulture.
• This information will be collected in D2.2

83
(actual vs expected)
7.1 Specific KPIs
Case
study
Topic Objectives
Specific Key Performance
Indicator (KPI)
Current value Expected value
3
Westland
Region
(NL)
Wastewater
treatment
To reduce the emission
of PPPs/pesticides in
surface water
Water purification units
installed on various scale
levels (individual/ collective/
central collective)
Removal pesticides
<50%
Removal pesticides>>
95% (law rule)
Rainwater
harvesting
To increase the self
sufficiency of fresh
water in Delfland
(Westland) region
% rainwater used for water
related functions in cities,
horticulture, etc.
Horticulture: 30-70%
used but increasing
salinity of aquifer.
Cities: <1%
Horticulture: 30-70%
but no increase in
salinity of aquifer.
Cities: scenario for
25% households with
RWH.
Energy
To develop a High
Temperature ATES
system
Efficiency comparison with
ATES
T < 20C
Cooling demand 6TJ
Heating demand 8TJ
Heat recovery factor:
0,6-0,7
T : 45-80C
Cooling demand 16TJ
Heating demand 23TJ
Heat recovery factor:
0,8-0,9

84
7.2. Circular water system – preliminary scenario result

85
Water balance of Westland horticultural
companies
Reference
scenario
(current
situation)
Waterbank
basic
scenario
Surface horticultural companies (ha) 2431
Precipitation on roof (Mm3/j) 21.6
Retention on roof (Mm3/j) 2.7
Net precipitation in basin (Mm3/j) 18.9
Irrigation demand (Mm3/j) 17.7
Irrigation water from groundwater (RO)
(Mm3/j)
3.7 5.0
Number of horticultural companies 1291
No. companies that infiltrate surplus rainwater 0 600
Infiltration (Mm3/j) 0.0 5.0
Evaporation from basins (Mm3/j) 0.2
Overflow to surface water (Mm3/j) 4.7 1.0
Overflow to surface water is strongly
reduced, even for large precipitation events.
Extra ‘tweaking’ (such as including weather
forecast) can result in more efficiency
Assessment results
It is possible to ‘compensate’ all net
extraction with infiltration if about half of
the horticultural companies will infiltrate
excess rain water.
If companies work together or if other
roofs (large industry) are used as well, the
number of infiltration locations can be
greatly reduced, up to about 150
locations.
Daily precipitation (mm)
Horticulture
basin
overflow
(mm)
7.3. Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR) systems: Water Banking

86
Energy balance
The heat demand and supply in the Delfland region has been mapped.
Next step is to assess the contribution of (HT-) ATES to the regional energy balance.

87
Warm wells are installed in 2 different aquifers, DTS monitoring is installed at 4 locations from the well.
Results below, to be extended and further analyze later.
At 5m distance a monitoring well is placed for taking groundwater samples

88
# Nº Case Study
Involved
sub-tasks
Baseline: CE intervention /
demo type
#3 Westland Region (NL)
Sub-Task
1.2.1
Aquifer Storage & Recovery
(ASR) systems
No deviations None
Sub-Task
1.2.1
Water recycling and collective
water purification system for
horticulture
No deviations None
Sub-Task
1.3.5
Heat harvesting unit No deviations None
Sub-Task
1.3.5
High Temperature-Aquifer
Thermal Energy Storage system
(HT-ATES)
No deviations None

89
• T1.2.1 modelling circular scenarios & assessment of ASR contribution to regional water
balance
• T1.3.5 monitoring results of HT-ATES pilot plant at Koppert Cress & assessment of (HT)ATES
contribution to regional energy balance
Task description Task
M1 -
M6
M7 - M12 M13-M30
M31-
M36
M37-
M48
Set up of assessment tool for monitoring water cycle performance by appointing Key
Performance Indicators (KPI) eg. percentage rainwater harvested, water quality, resource
recovery products
1.2.1
Assessment of water management conditions of the Westland case (performance) and
input to Technology Evidence Base.
1.2.1
Conclusive first results for Westland case: lessons learned and proposed integrated
management of alternative water sources.
1.2.1
Comparative analysis with Gotland case for providing guidance on how to replicate the
models in other regions.
1.2.1
Assessment of the Westland integrated watermanagement approach as best practice for
closing the water cycle
1.2.1
Monitoring performance High Temperature- Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (HT-ATES) at
horticulture location Koppert Cress Westland. Providing results to the Technology
Evidence Base.
1.3.5
Preparing the energy balance of and the contribution of HT-ATES for the heat roundabout.
Conclusive first results.
1.3.5
Assessment of HT-ATES pilot results and feasibility extrapolation to the heat roundabout
in province South-Holland. Developing best practice of closing water related energy cycle.
1.3.5
M30 -
M36:

90
#4. Altenrhein
Switzerland
Materials
WWTP: 100,000 PE; 300,000 PE (sludge treatment)
Relevant sectors
Horticulture
Water treatment
Relevant data
Energy
Lead partner:
Other partners:
https://nextgenwater.eu/altenrhein/

91
WWTP: 100,000 PE; 300,000 PE (sludge treatment)
Primary treatment:
bar screens, sand trap, primary clarifier
Secondary treatment:
nitrification, denitrification, enhanced biological
phosphorus removal, secondary clarifier
Sludge treatment:
anaerobic digestion & sludge drying

92

93
1. Production of granular activated carbon (GAC) via pyrolysis of
dried sludge with local biomass with a subsequent activation
and granulation
2. Production of PK-fertilizer via pyrolysis of sewage sludge with
a additional potassium source
3. Ammonia recovery via a hollow fiber membrane contactor for
ammonium sulfate production

94
Altenrhei
n

95
4. Summary Table: material
Case Study
number &
name
water sector
TRL Capacity
Quantifiable
target
Status / progress
# 4
Altenrhein
(CH)
Location:
WWTP in
Altenrhein
Sub-Task
1.4.1
Large scale
demonstration
of ammonium
recovery by
HFMC
Liquor from sludge
dewatering returns
to the WWTP
Implementation of a
hollow fiber membrane
contactor for ammonia
recovery as (NH4)2SO4
TRL 7 → 8 14 m³/h
Production of
ammonium
sulfate
(fertilizer)
Ongoing.
The construction of the
stripping plant was delayed
due to interactions with the
construction of a
micropollutant elimination
plant in Altenrhein.
Sub-Task
1.4.2
P-recovery by
thermochemical
treatment of
sewage sludge
Incineration of the
dried sludge at the
cement factory
P recovery via pyrolysis as
PK-fertilizer or NPK(S)-
fertilizer
TRL 5 → 7
Input:
20-50 kg/h
Phosphorus in
sludge modified
and purified for
reuse as market
grade PK-
fertilizer
Ongoing. PK- fertilizer
preparatory trials lasted longer
than expected.
Sub-Task
1.4.3
Renewable
granular
activated
carbon (GAC)
Filtration with
commercial GAC
after ozonation
Production of renewable
GAC via pyrolysis,
activation & granulation
TRL 5 → 6 Input:
1 kg/h
Renewable GAC
used for micro-
pollutants
removal
Ongoing.
Corona-related delays in pilot
trials due to limited availability
of production and testing
facilities. Long-term tests
planned 18 months starting
M25, might have to be
shortened. However evaluation
of long term tests after 12 or
15 months also possible.

97
6. Large scale demonstration of ammonium recovery
Production plant and operational procedure
Program
• Optimize process parameters
(temperature, pH, centrate flow)
• Determine KPI (area specific ammonia
mass transfer, absolute ammonia yield,
yield specific caustic soda and heat
consumption)
• Granulation tests, NPK(S) fertilizer
Collaboration FHNW and AVA with expertise
from EAWAG and Alpha Wassertechnik
Constructionlargely finalized - planned
commissioning:Feb2021(M32)

98
6. Large scale demonstration of ammonium recovery
P&I diagram and design parameters of the plant
Elimination Parameters Unit Value
Nitrogen recovery yield % 75
Minimum concentration nitrogen in
fertilizer
% 3.5
Availability of production plant % 85
Dimension Parameters Unit Value
Flow m3/h 14
CSB concentration mg/l 1’700
N-NH4 concentration
mg/l 900 ±
200
GUS concentration mg/l 800
Temperature
°C 14
pH - 8

99
6. Renewable granular activated carbon (GAC)
Pictures and operational procedure
T= 53 °C T= 53 °C
GAC from sewage sludge
after pyrolysis
All methods have been tested with two
renewable materials (FHNW):
• Pyrolysis
• Activation
• Performance
• Physical and chemical characterization
1st phase - Parameter screening
• DSC/TGA plus adsorption (UV 254)
• Upscaling to pilot (1 kg/h) to verify surface area,
porosity, hardness, density
2nd phase - Production of optimised GAC
• 2x 150 L
• Sewage sludge, CO2, 800°C
• Cherry pits, H2O, 1000°C
• Reference Chemviron Cyclecarb

100
Flow scheme of the pyrolysis
H2O, CO2
Dried sewage sludge
Cherry pits
Pyrolysis/Activation
850°C – 900°C
One Step
N2
GAC
GC-GAC
Syn-Gas
Pyrogas Oil
Multiple production parameters are
considered:
1. Feedstock material (dried sewage sludge
and cherry pits)
2. Conditions of pyrolisis and activation
(temperature, residence time, activating
gas)
Quality of GAC is assessed based on:
1. Adsorption capacity
2. Physical properties (hardness, surface,
porosity, density)

101
6. Renewable granular activated carbon (GAC) Production of SS and CP
GACs
Milled and sieved
cherry pits
CP_GAC after pyrolisis
Cherry pits
Sieving and
conditioning
Milling and
sieving
SS_GAK (~ 65 kg)
Dried SS from AVA
Altenrhein
GAC after pyrolisis
PYREKA
Agroscope
Pyrolysis
Sieving
Pyrolysis

102
Long term tests
T= 53 °C
Goals
1. To assess the performance of renewable GAC
at pilot scale over 12 months of operation
2. To investigate on biofilm development over
time (BAC)
Methodology
Operate the system (O3 + GAC) at 80% OMPs
removal. Three consecutive phases are defined
1st ph. : Standard (EBCT 20’, 2 mg O3/L)
2nd ph. : Adjust EBCT to achieve 80% elimination
3rd ph. : Adjust O3 dosage to achieve 80%
elimination
6. Renewable granular activated carbon (GAC) Pilot
experiments operational procedure
Sampling point for OMPs
Ozonatio
n 2 mg
O3/L
Ref. GAC
SS
GAC
CP
GAC
Sand
filtration
discharge
discharge
discharge
EBCT 20 mins
2ry treat.

103
Pilot experiments operational procedure
Monitoring of the pilots
• Performance of the O3+GAC system
(i.e. Organic micropollutant (OMPs)
elimination by LC MS, and UV
adsorption)
• Operating period of renewable GAC
(i.e. carbon loss in the effluent)
• Biofilm formation (5-7 samples/yr)
(TGA, flow cytometry, SEM, NGS)
200 cm
The OMPs elimation of the GAC filters is monitored over time at different operating modes (i.e. EBCT,
and O3 dosage)

104
6. PK fertilizer
Picture of pilot plant
T= 53 °C T= 53 °C
Feeder
Gasifier
Pyrolysis unit
Filter
Afterburner
Steam unit

105
6. PK fertilizer
Preliminary pilot experiments
T= 53 °C T= 53 °C
Experiment with start up phase , gasification phase and cool down phase with biomass

106
6. PK fertilizer
Operational procedure for nextGen
T= 53 °C T= 53 °C
Burn Out
• Improve further by adaptation of fluidization medium at bottom
• Goal: < 0.2% TOC
• PAK: not detectable
P-Availability
• Residence time to be increased to allow K for Ca replacement reaction
Operating Conditions
• Bed material replacement to be improved by more efficient screening, smaller bed
Reconstruction of Pilot Plant
• Decrease of diameter in certain areas
• Additional section for burn out improvement
• Improved screening system for bed material/ash

107
The parameters of material recovery procedures are monitored according to the specific requirements in
order to ensure the quality standards of the products.
Flow rates N concentrations
(NH4)2SO4
Wastewater influent to WWTP
Sludge input of third parties
Liquor to ammonia stripping unit
Effluent from ammonia stripping unit
(NH4)2SO4 (material product)
Flow rates P concentrations
PK fertilizer
Wastewater influent to WWTP
Sewage sludge to mixing unit
PK fertilizer (material product)

108
The parameters of material recovery procedures are monitored according to the specific requirements in
order to ensure the quality standards of the products.
GAC
Adsorption capacity compared to that of commercially
available GAC [%] via active surface (BJH)
Lifetime until renewal compared to commercially available
GAC indicated as BV (for removal > 80%, EBCT)
→ The testing of the GAC includes the use of the GAC filtration after ozonation. This will be
evaluated for both conventional and renewable GAC.
Removal rates
Micropollutants
12 micropollutants in the Swiss regulation.
https://www.newsd.admin.ch/newsd/message/attachments/41
551.pdf
→ Removal rates of the system will be compared to the results of the system in Costa Brava
CS#2 for Diclofenac, Benzotriazole, Carbamazepine

109
6. Operational procedures and methodologies: Tools (WP2)
In the frame of WP2, different tools will be applied at the case study in Altenrhein:
• Quantitative chemical risk assessment for PK fertilizer
The results are elaborated in WP2 and will be presented in D2.1 and D2.2.

110
7. Results: Renewable granular activated carbon (GAC)
TGA Analysis of pilot materials activated @ 900°C 10’:
• Sewage sludge GAC (SS) with 10-15% «anorganic carbon» content
• Cherry pit GAC (CP) with 90% «anorganic carbon» content
32%
54%
25%
40%
44%
6%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
dried SS CP-dried
fraction
14% 14% 13%
92% 90% 87%
85% 86% 86%
3% 3% 5%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
SS-0%
steam
SS-50%
steam
SS-100%
steam
CP-0%
steam
CP-50%
steam
CP-100%
steam
«anorganic carbon» as weight
loss under under O2
«organic material», as weight
loss under under N2
inert

111
Sewage sludge GAC with higher density than reference
Cherry pit GAC with lower density than reference
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
cp raw cp 0%
steam
cp 50%
steam
cp 100%
steam
dried SS SS 0%
steam
SS 50%
steam
SS 100%
steam
NORIT GAC
true
density
[kg/m
3
]
7. Results: Renewable granular activated carbon (GAC)

112
7. Results: PK fertilizer
T= 53 °C T= 53 °C
Continuous operation was demonstrated
• within an operating range of 340 to 110% of design throughput
• startup/shutdown demonstrated
• Good Burnout
Heavy metals limits according to European Fertilizer product regulation
achieved to a large extent
Phosphate plant availability too low compared with expectation

113
7. Results: specific KPIs (actual vs expected)
Case
study
Topic Objectives
Specific Key Performance Indicator
(KPI)
Current
value
Expected
value
#4
Alten-
rhein
(CH)
Materials
Recovery of ammonia via HFMC
Nitrogen recovery rate [%]
related to the inflow liquor to the
recovery system
0 75
PK fertilizer production
Phosphorus recovery rate [%]
related to the influent of the WWTP
and the sludge input of third parties
0 100
Plant availability of the P (PNAC) [%]
n.a.
(cement)
80
Renewable GAC production
Active surface (BJH) [m²/g] 1000 200-1000
EBCT [min] 20 20
Lifetime until renewal [number of bed
volumes (BV)] for micropollutant
removal > 80%
80’000 25’000

114
8. Progress and next steps
# Nº Case Study Involved sub-tasks
Baseline: CE
intervention / demo
type
#4
Altenrhein,
Switzerland
Location:
Altenrhein
WWTP
Lead Partner:
FHNW
Partners
involved:
AVA, CTU
Sub-Task
1.4.1
Large scale
demonstration of
ammonium
recovery by
HFMC
Liquor from
sludge
dewatering
returns to the
WWTP
The construction of the stripping
plant was delayed because of
interactions with the construction of
a micropollutant elimination plant in
Altenrhein.
However, this still leaves
enough time for the
production of ammonium
sulfate as fertilizer, and the
piloting of the P recovery.
Sub-Task
1.4.2
P-recovery by
thermochemical
treatment of
sewage sludge
Incineration of the
dried sludge at
the cement
factory
PK- fertilizer preparatory trials
were longer than expected
Sub-Task
1.4.3
Renewable
granular
activated carbon
(GAC)
Filtration with
commercial GAC
after ozonation
Corona-related delays in pilot trials
due to limited availability of
production and testing facilities.
Long-term tests planned 18 months
starting M25, might have to be
shortened. However, evaluation of
long term tests after 12 or 15
months also possible.
Subcontracting of GAC
production

115
Planned timetable
Updated timetable
2020
M27
M28
M29
M30
M31
M32
M33
M34
M35
M36
M37
M38
M39
M40
M41
M42
M43
M44
M45
M46
M47
1.4.1 Commissioning Ammonia Stripping
1.4.1 Ammonia Stripping – operation & optimization
1.4.2 Lab test (PK-fertilizer) Granulation F F F G
1.4.2. Pilot trials PK-fertilizer NPT G G T T G G
1.4.3 Long-term tests GAC
NPT National Project Trials F formulation G Granulation T thermal treatment
2020 2021 2022

116
Relevant data
Lead partners
Relevant sectors
#5.
Spernal (UK)
Waste Water Treatment Plant
Water Materials Energy
Spernal WWTP serves as Severn Trent Water’s “Resource
Recovery and Innovation Centre” where emerging technologies
compatible with a low energy, circular economy approach will be
evaluated.
A multi-stream test bed facility was constructed in 2019 and this will
incorporate an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) to be
commissioned in Summer 2020. The AnMBR will also comprise a
membrane degassing unit to recover dissolved methane and ion
exchange processes to recover nitrogen and phosphorus from the
effluent.
AnMBR combines several benefits such as:
• no aeration energy for removal of Chemical and Biological
Oxygen Demand (COD/BOD)
• low sludge production and hence reduced downstream sludge
treatment costs
• biogas production (production of electricity/heat
• pathogen and solids free effluent which can be re-used in a
number of applications (e.g.: farming and industrial use).
Waste water plant serving the town of Redditch
(Birmingham, UK): 92.000 PE
Agriculture Domestic sector Energy sector
https://nextgenwater.eu/spernal/

117
Spernal WwTW is the home of Severn Trent’s Resource Recovery and Innovation Centre (R2IC).
This purpose built facility has been designed and built to undertake large scale wastewater
demonstration trials. It is focused on developing and validating technologies and processes
that will enable Severn Trent and the wider sector to transition from linear based treatment
designs to a more circular economy approach. Opportunities to recover energy, materials and
water from wastewater will be maximized.
The R2IC is flexibly designed to host multiple parallel and in-series trials. The AnMBR and
tertiary nutrient recovery flowsheet will be installed on the R2IC and will be commissioned in
Summer 2020.

118
Aerial view of the Spernal WWTP

119
✓ Nutrient removal and recovery through adsorption or
ion exchange technologies
✓ AnMBR demonstration in cold climate northern
European countries with a membrane degassing unit to
recover dissolved methane for water and energy reuse

120
Spernal

121
4. Summary Table
Case Study
number &
name
Subtasks
Technolog
y baseline
NextGen intervention
in circular economy
for water sector
# 5
Spernal
Location:
Spernal
WWTP
Sub-Task 1.2.3 Multi-
stream anaerobic MBR
for district-scale reuse
applications (Spernal)
Spernal
wastewater
treatment
plant serves
as Severn
Trent
Water’s
“Urban
Strategy
Demonstrati
on Site”
Decentralized water
treatment by a multi-
stream anaerobic
membrane bioreactor
(AnMBR)
TRL 6 → 7 500 m3/d (max).
• Pathogen and solids free effluent
which can be re-used in a
number of applications (e.g.:
farming and industrial use).
• Low sludge production and
hence reduced downstream
sludge treatment costs.
Ongoing.
Construction and commissioning
of resource recovery innovation
center completed in October
2019
AnMBR to be commissioned in
next months
Sub-Task 1.3.3
Decentralized energy
recovery and usage
from anaerobic MBR
(Spernal)
Biogas recovery and
energy production
throughout two scenarios:
i. CHP – electricity &
heat (assuming an
CHP engine
efficiency of 40%)
ii. Biogas upgrading
and injection to the
natural gas network.
TRL 7→ 8
Expected methane yields
based on pilot scale work
at Cranfield University:
• At 20ºC - 0.28 L CH4 /
g COD removed
• At 7ºC - 0.19 L CH4 /
g COD removed
Assuming 90% removal
of COD (from pilot trials):
• Maximum production:
33m3 CH4/d
• Average: 11m3 CH4/d
Electricity & heat produced for the
two scenarios:
i. 44kWh/day and ~ 50kWh
heat/d (assuming around 15%
losses)
ii. 108kWh/d
Ongoing.
Linked with AnMBR
comissioning and operation
Sub-Task 1.4.5 Nutrient
removal and recovery
from AnMBR effluent
for local reuse (Spernal)
Nutrient recovery via
adsorption / ion exchange
(IEX):
• N removal (zeolite
column) & N recovery
(ammonia stripping
or membrane
processes)
• P removal (hybrid
anion exchange
(HAIX) column) & P
recovery (addition of
CaOH to the spent
regenerant).
TRL 6 → 7
10 m3/d nutrient stripped
effluent
Ammonia stripping or membrane
processes can be used to produced
ammonia solution at 3-5% s or
ammonium sulphate, respectively.
The regenerant is re-used.
Ca2PO3 precipitated. The regenerant
is re-used.
Ongoing.
The recovered nutrients from
IEX installed at Cranfield
University (move to Spernal
Autumn 2020)

122

123
The anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) pilot plant comprises 3 main process units
1. Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASB)
• Technology provider - Waterleau
• This will be housed in three 20’ shipping containers mounted one on top of the other
• The UASB will contain granular sludge and have a 3 phase separator at the top of the reactor
• Most of the solids will be retained in the UASB, the effluent will be directed to the UF membrane and the biogas will be
sent to the on-site gas bag
• Currently delivered to R2IC and undergoing installation and system testing
2. Ultra-filtration (UF) membrane
• Technology provider – SFC / Trant Engineering
• This will be housed in two 20’ shipping containers
• The UF membrane will remove any remaining solids from the effluent returning the sludge to the UASB and the effluent
to the membrane contactor for degassing
• Currently delivered to R2IC and undergoing wet testing
3. Membrane contactor for degassing
• Technology provider – 3M (Membrana)
• The membrane contactor will remove the dissolved methane from the effluent
• The methane will be sent to the gas bag and the effluent to the ion exchange nutrient recovery plant
• Membrana modules on site and system build underway

124
Ion Exchange (IEX) nutrient recovery pilot plant
This is a 10 m3/day demonstration scale plant comprises 4 main process units
1. N removal column
• Contains 70L of Zeolite, operated at an empty bed contact time of 10-30 min
• Zeolite needs regeneration when ammonia in the effluent is > 5 mg/L
• Zeolite is regenerated with NaCl or KCl
2. P removal column
• Contains 35L of hybrid anion exchange (HAIX), LayneRT (Layne, USA), Operated at an empty bed contact time of
5-15 min
• HAIX needs regeneration when phosphorus in the effluent is > 2-3 mg/L
• HAIX is regenerated with NaOH
3. N recovery
• Ammonia stripping or membrane processes can be used to produced ammonia solution at 3-5% or ammonium
sulphate, respectively. The regenerant is re-used.
4. P recovery
• Addition of CaOH to the spent regenerant, results in the immediate precipitation of CaP that is filtered from the
regenerant. The regenerant is re-used.

125
Pictures of AnMBR under construction
• AnMBR under construction at R2IC and plant in
use forecast for Jan 2021.
• Current status (November 2020)
• UASB interface pipe work under
construction
• UF membrane installed and wet tested
• De-gas system civils works complete.
Waterleau UASB
SCF UF
3M Degas
R2IC Gas handling
R2IC Chemical
dosing rig
R2IC
wastewater
tank

126
Pictures and/or videos of the pilot plant
Granular sludge supplied by Waterleau Pilot scale UASB reactors

127
Pilot scale membrane module
Membrane
cartridge is
kept
suspended
inside the
membrane
tank
Cover
Cartridge
Several hundreds of parallel fibres (1-3 m long with an outside
diameter of 0.3-0.5 mm) are wound up around a carrier cartridge
The cartridge has a permeate connection on the top and an air/biogas
connection for gas sparging on the bottom

128
Pilot scale nutrient recovery IEX reactors
mesolite for N recovery nano-particle impeded IEX
beads for P recovery
Adsorption media used in the columns

129
Pictures and/or videos of the final product
Filtering recovered CaP
Recovered ammonium sulphate
Gas sensors and
dissolved methane
probe to assist on the
measurement of energy
production in the
AnMBR

130
6. Operational procedures Only if info is available
• Operational conditions for 70L pilot-plant that will inform the
operation of the demonstration anMBR
Test conditions for the MBR module to
complete a critical flux analysis
Flux SGDm*
LMH
m3 m-2
h-1
1
Filtration: 5 min
15 4
Backwash and gas sparging: 15-30 s
2
Filtration: 5 min
25 4
3
Filtration: 5 min
35 4-6
UASB reactor operation
HRT h 8
Vup m/h 0.8
Inoculated with 11 L of granular
sludge donated by Waterleau
The membrane module is a
SFC C-MEM membrane, composed of
polyethylene hollow fibres with a total
membrane area of 1.4 m2

131
Tools for environmental & economic impacts assessment
at Spernal
• Quantitative chemical risk assessment (QCRA)
• Life cycle assessment (LCA)
• Life cycle costing (LCC)
• Cost efficiency analysis (CEA)

132
7. Specific KPIs (actual vs expected)
Case
study
Topic Objectives
Specific Key Performance
Indicator (KPI)
Current value
Expected
value
#5
Spernal
(UK)
Wastewater treatment and reuse
To increase reuse application for
external uses
Volume of water recovered and
its use (m3/day)
? 500
Water yield of the system (produ
ced/collected, %)
Not yet measured
To enhance water quality:
Influent and effluent quality –
Rejection rate [%]
Salinity Not yet measured ?
BOD Not yet measured 95% removal
COD Not yet measured 90% removal
SS Not yet measured
100%
removal
Turbidity Not yet measured
100%
removal
TN Not yet measured
60-80%
removal
TP Not yet measured
70-90%
removal
To reduce the pathogens content
of the effluent
E.Coli [CFU/100 ml] Not yet measured 0
Legionella spp. [CFU/100 ml] Not yet measured 0
Organics removal Pesticides and pharmaceuticals Not yet measured ?
Energy
Energy recovery – create energy
neutral WWTP and export to
community (biogas)
Methane yield [m3 CH4/(kg COD)] Not yet measured 0.19-0.28
Quantity of re-used heat
(seasonal, m3/d)
Not yet measured 11-33
Energy consumption [kWh/m3] Not yet measured ?
Energy generation [kWh/m3] Not yet measured ?
Materials
To recover nutrients from
wastewater effluent
Calcium phosphate (as P, kg/day) Not yet measured 0.03
Ammonium sulphate (as N,
Not yet measured 0.22

133
7. Results obtained
The wastewater has very low strength,
making the UASB operation very
challenging, as anaerobic processes are
favoured by high organic loading rates
The pilot UASB reactor, which mimics
the reactor in Spernal, is producing the
expected effluent quality
The link to the MBR tank is delayed due
to the closing of the pilot site for 4
months and supply chain issues
Data on methane production are sparce
and more data points are required
OCT 2020 – ongoing (T=13°C)
Biogas production L d-1 0.6
Dissolved CH4/total CH4 % 93.6
Methane yield L CH4/g COD 0.13
JUL-SEPT 2020 (T=18°C)
Characterisation
Removal rates (%)
Influent UASB effluent
COD mg L-1
153 56 63
sCOD mg L-1
36 29 19
BOD5 mg L-1
65 38 42
TSS mg L-1
117 37 68
VSS mg L-1
108 31 71
SO4 mg L-1
62 40 35
OCT 2020 – ongoing
(T=13°C)
Characterisation
Removal rates (%)
Influent UASB effluent
COD mg L-1
195 103 47
sCOD mg L-1
44 39 11
BOD5 mg L-1
73 44 40
TSS mg L-1
120 40 67
VSS mg L-1
103 36 65
SO4 mg L-1
69 43 38

134
# Nº Case Study
Involved
sub-tasks
Baseline: CE intervention /
demo type
# 5
Spernal,
United Kingdom
Location: Spernal
WWTP
Lead Partner:
UCRAN
Partners Involved:
STW
Sub-Task
1.2.3
Decentralized water
treatment by a multi-stream
anaerobic membrane
bioreactor(AnMBR)
Expected delays to site
construction and
commissioning of the
Anaerobic Membrane
Bioreactor due to supply
chain being effect by
COVID related issues,
specifically the UASB key
component and other
supporting equipment.
Working with supply chain
to mitigate and minimise
COVID-19 delays.

135
8. Next steps planned
AnMBR Installation End date
WATERLEAU (Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor)
Wet testing of UASB 16 Nov 2020
Commissioning and start up 20 Jan 2021
Trant (Ultra-filtration membrane)
Wet testing of UF membrane 16 Nov 2020
Commissioning and start up 20 Jan 2021
3M (Membrane degassing system)
Wet testing of Degas system 08 Jan 2021
Commissioning of 3M equipment 28 Jan 2021
ANMBR
Plant in Use 28 Jan 2020

136
8. Next steps planned: from November 2020 (M29) on
Full-scale
Pilot-scale
Theoretical work
Task description M29 M30 M31 M32 M33 M34 M35 M36 M37 M38 M39 M40
WATERLEAU (Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor)
Wet testing of UASB
Commissioning and start up
Trant (Ultra-filtration membrane)
Wet testing of UF membrane
Commissioning and start up
3M (Membrane degassing system)
Wet testing of Degas system
Commissioning of 3M equipment
ANMBR
Plant in Use

137
8. Next steps Updated timetable
Full-scale
Pilot-scale
Theoretical work
Task description Task
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
M1-M6 M7-M12 M13-M18 M19-M24 M25-M30 M31-M36 M37-M42 M43-M48
Detailed design of Anaerobic MBR (AnMBR). Appoint
contractor
1.2.3
1.3.3
Construction, commissioning and hand-over of AnMBR
demonstrator
1.2.3
1.3.3
Start-up and optimization of individual components –
acclimatisation of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket
(USAB), optimization of membrane filtration system,
optimization of membrane degas unit
1.2.3
1.3.3
Installation and commissioning of IEX columns for
nitrogen and phosphorus recovery from the AnMBR
effluent
1.4.5
Optimisation and trouble-shooting of process flowsheet 1.2.3
Operation of IEX columns for nitrogen and phosphorus
recovery from the AnMBR effluent
1.4.5
Operation of AnMBR demonstrator and evaluation of
performance under static and dynamic flow and load
conditions. Confirmation of the optimal design and
operating parameters.
1.2.3
Assessment of results, delivery of a comprehensive
energy balance and cost benefit assessment
1.2.3

138
Water Materials
Relevant data
Lead partners
Relevant sectors
#6.
La Trappe (NL)
La Trappe brewery
Capacity: ~360 m3
/day (10,000 PE)
Footprint: 847m2
Value: Water circularity showcase
Beverage industry Municipal sector Space industry
The Koningshoeven BioMakery is a biological
wastewater treatment system based on modular and
functionalreactor-basedecologicalengineering.
Based upon the principle of water-based urban
circularity, where energy, food, and waste systems are
builtaroundaregenerativeandsustainablewatercycle.
Powered by Metabolic Network Reactor (MNR)
technology, which uses 2-3,000 different species of
organisms ranging from bacteria to higher level
organismssuchasplants.
https://nextgenwater.eu/la-trappe/

139
✓ The Koningshoeven BioMakery is fully integrated into the historical monument of the
Koningshoeven Trappist Abbey and Brewery. The facility treats industrial wastewater from
the brewery and municipal wastewater from the Abbey and Visitor center.
✓ The industrial wastewater is reused at the abbey for irrigation of the abbey grounds and
plant nurseries. It is a long term goal to reuse the industrial wastewater for bottle rinsing
within the brewery.

140
Brewery water treatment
line
MNR1
AE
MNR2
AE
MNR3
AE
MNR4
AE
MNR5
AE
MNR6
AE
MNR7
AE
MNR8
AE
9,AE 10,AE 11,AE 12,AE 13,AE 14,AE
Dissolved
air flotation
Microfiltration
Sludge tank
with aeration
Belt filter press
Polyelectrolyte
dosage
Municipal water
treatment line
FeCl3 dosage
MNR1
AX/AE
MNR2
AE
Effluent
water
Microfiltration
Dissolved
air
flotation
Blower room
Blower room
Estimated Influent flow 18 m³/d
Estimated Influent flow 360 m³/d
Sludge tank
with aeration
Effluent
water
<Current situation>
Notes:
MNR1 – MNR4 were built so that they can be run as
optional anoxic reactors, should the incoming wastewater
have high levels of nitrogen. Currently, they are running as
aerated reactors.
The Influent flow rates have been highly variable due to
Covid19. Production at the brewery was affected and the
visitor center was temporarily closed.
MNR00
AE
An existing empty
tank was transformed
into an aerated
reactor for the
capacity increase of
the brewery line.
Brewery water
High COD
Fluctuating pH
Cleaning chemicals
AE: Aerobic Zone
AX: Anoxic Zone

141
Municipal Water
15-18m3/day
Fluctuating N
> 150000 visitors a year
Unknown:
pathogens & OMP
Brewery water
320 m3/day
High COD
Fluctuating pH
Cleaning chemicals
and
✓ Different streams require a custom-made approach. As a consequence of the potential
presence of pathogens and outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in the municipal water,
brewery water is safer to start with.

142
✓ Combine Metabolic Network Reactor (MNR) and membranes
for nutrient and water recovery for fit-for-use industrial use
such as irrigation, bottlewashing or make up water for beer
production
✓ Use “Bio-makery” for water reuse in decentralized areas
✓ Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus recovery, with nutrients
removed from the water converted into fertilizer used to
produce plant or microbial protein

143
La Trappe

144
4. Summary Table
Case Study
number &
name
Subtasks
Technology
baseline
NextGen
intervention in
water sector
# 6
La Trappe
Location: La
Trappe
Brewery
Sub-Task 1.2.6
Production of fit-
for-purpose
water in La
Trappe
La Trappe
brewery
wastewater
treatment plant
Metabolic Network
Reactor (MNR -
plant root enhanced
fixed bed
bioreactor) +
MELiSSA Advanced
Separation systems
(MF/RO) to produce
fit-for-purpose
water
MNR - plant
root
enhanced
fixed bed
bioreactor
(TRL 7 → 9)
+
NF/RO/ED to
produce fit-
for-purpose
water
(TRL 4 → 6)
NF/UF 150 L/h
and RO 100 L/h
MELiSSA inspired
fit-for-purpose is
smaller capacity.
Recovery of
regenerated
effluent fit-for-use
such as irrigation,
bottle washing or
make up water for
beer production
The MNR water treatment facility is
fully operational. However, Covid19
continues to impact operations:
operators were sick with the virus,
affecting commissioning activities and
sampling; the capacity continues to
fluctuate due to production variations
at the brewery and visitor center;
travel restrictions affect fine-tuning of
the facility, and integration of pilot
technologies to the site. Set-up of the
NextGen pilot systems, and
preliminary tasks are currently taking
place independently.
Sub-task 1.4.4.
Protein
production in
Bio-Makeries
Use of
photobioreactor and
“Bio-makery”
(utilization of axenic
and mixed native
species of “Spirulina”
A. platensis in real
life conditions):
• C recovery
• N recovery
• P recovery
TRL 4 → 6 60L/d
Fertilizer
Used in fish fodder
or directly as
human food
Due to the available process water
quality, it was decided to focus on
photoheterotrophic compartment
using PnSB instead of
photoautotrophic Spirulina. An open
pond reactor has been developed
inspired by MELISSA CII compartment.
Off-site tests using the La Trappe
process water were successful.
There were several delays for the
onsite tests, but the system has been
repaired and is back in operation after
the corona crisis.

145
Water discharged to the
nearby canal, maintaining
the local water cycle,
preventing drought in the
area. Water is also used for
irrigation.
© 2020, SEMiLLA IPStar

146
Scenario studies best custom-made solution for brewery water
Influent Reusable
water
Inspired by MELiSSA C2,Axenic
cultivation of R.Rubrum
Inspired by Concordia MELiSSA
membrane system running at
research station on Antarctica
Hypothesis 1: Safe conversion of
COD to mixed culture PnSB,
reduces COD load on MNR and
increases MNR capacity
Hypothesis 2: Effluent
microfiltration suitable for
potable water production

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